AICPA Leadership Workshop Helps Minority College Students Strengthen Professional Skills

The American Institute of CPAs® (AICPA®) encourages qualified students to apply for the 2022 Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW), being held Oct. 12–14 in Litchfield Park, Ariz.

The annual workshop gives minority college students who either major in accounting or have an interest in majoring in accounting the opportunity to strengthen their professional and networking skills. They also increase their understanding of the career possibilities and benefits of earning an accounting-related credential.

“The Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop provides opportunities for ethnic minority students to learn skill sets they will need as they enter the accounting profession,” said Chris Mitchell, senior manager of pipeline initiatives at the AICPA. “Participants will also be able to engage with other diverse professionals who look like them and who they can resonate with. Because we know, at this stage, it’s important that students learn how to build working relationships and start growing their professional network.”

The U.S. Census projects that minority populations will comprise more than 50% of the total population in 2045, with the largest growth among multiracial individuals. Firms will need to better reflect the ethnic and racial makeup of their communities and clients.

During the three-day program, students will learn how their unique backgrounds and experience add value to the accounting profession. They will participate in sessions and panel discussions covering an array of topics, including mentorship, building your brand and what to expect from CPA licensure and the CGMA® designation. Additionally, the event runs concurrently with the AICPA’s Accounting Professional Diversity Symposium, which focuses on the pipeline. This will expose students to countless networking and relationship-building opportunities.

Applications will be accepted through June 15, 2022.

“For 27 years, the ASLW has been one of the ways the AICPA supports diversity in the accounting profession pipeline,” said Crystal Cooke, director of diversity and inclusion for the AICPA. “The students who go through this program gain invaluable tools and resources as well as have numerous opportunities for networking and mentorship that help them navigate the profession. This is often a unique experience.”

The AICPA Foundation funds the ASLW and covers the cost of attendees’ experience.

More information about the program, as well as instructions to apply, is available at thiswaytocpa.com.

ASLW is one of several AICPA programs and resources that help promote diversity and inclusion in the profession. The George Willie Scholarship and Internship program offers students a scholarship and an internship during the busy season with one of the AICPA’s Private Companies Practice Section member firms. The AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students, part of the AICPA Legacy Scholars program, provides funding to outstanding minority students studying accounting.